3D artificial vertebrae replacement

The use of 3D printers in the medical field took another step forward after a group of Chinese surgeons successfully implanted an artificial vertebrae replacement in a patient. The procedure is considered to be the first of its kind.

Doctors at Beijing’s Peking University Third Hospital were able to replace the second vertebrae on a 12-year-old boy identified as Minghao. According to China Central Television, Minghao was diagnosed with cancer after injuring his neck while playing soccer. Doctors treating Minghao for the neck injury identified a malignant tumor on the boy’s spine.

Liu Zhoungjun, director of orthopedics at the hospital, said revolutionary 3D printer technology will help Minghao’s recovery.

Using existing technology, the patient’s head needs to be framed with pins after surgery. The patient’s head cannot touch the bed when he is resting. This lasts for three months,” Zhongjun told the Chinese news outlet. “But with 3D printing technology, we can simulate the shape of the vertebra, which is much stronger and more convenient than traditional methods.”

The vertebrae replacement is the latest innovative medical application of 3D printed technology. In 2013, two University of Michigan doctors were able to save the life of an infant who suffered from tracheobronchomalacia—a rare condition in which the bronchus collapses—by implanting a 3D-printed splint approved by the Federal Drug Administration. And a team of doctors and researchers from Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and the University of Sydney announced that they have successfully made artificial blood vessels using a 3D printer, an achievement that has been hailed as “a game changer.”

A toucan is getting a 3D-printed beak

The 1-year-old toucan’s upper beak got hacked off by a group of miscreants who left the bird for dead after ruining his handsome face. For the past four months, the half-beaked bird has been nursed back to health at Costa Rica’s Animal Rescue Bird Zoo, where he’s learned to feed himself by scooping and guzzling mashed fruit with his lower mandible — not unlike a pelican.

Grecia the toucan shows his gruesome smile

But Grecia’s unsightly underbite could soon be a thing of the past. Thanks to the collective ingenuity of Costa Rica’s tech sector, and $10,000 in funding from an Indiegogo campaign, the injured bird is about to get equipped with a new 3D-printed prosthetic beak — or “toucan dentures,” as nobody has called it.

The plastic beak, scheduled to be attached to Grecia’s stub in June, will be the first procedure of its kind in Latin America, and one of the first 3D-printed beaks attempted anywhere the world. Costa Rica, which is positively beamish about most things, is positively beamish about the opportunity to showcase its twin passions for nature and technology.

Drawing of initial prototype for prosthetic beak

Top 10 Personal 3D Printers

3D Printing Revolution Documentary

3D Printing Revolution is a thought provoking new documentary film in production by Brian Federal and Prana Communications. The Film documents the history and development of this fascinating technology and offers a glimpse into the future impact it will have on our lives. 3D printing technology is the most important development in manufacturing since the beginning of the industrial revolution.

When 3D printing technology is combined with the power of 3D modeling software and laser scanners, designers are empowered to speed up the product development process making totally unique and innovative forms possible. 3D printing technology can be used as a manufacturing method with an unlimited capacity for customization. 3D Printers print in a wide variety of materials from titanium to human tissue. This technology in all its forms will revolutionize the way we manufacture in the years to come.

The purpose of the film is to introduce 3D printing technology to the public and to communicate the enormous impact it will have on our lives. There are many who have never even heard of this amazing technology. I believe the unfolding of this story illustrates one of the most important technological advancements of our time.

Need to get me some of those bad boys!!

NIKE FOOTBALL ACCELERATES INNOVATION WITH 3D PRINTED “CONCEPT CLEAT” FOR SHUTTLE

Nike Vapor HyperAgility Cleat debuts for shuttle drill using SLS plate construction; One of three cleats influenced by 3D printing technology.

Soon for the masses!

It is soon going to be a time when buying a 3D printer to be a definite household possession for the masses!

Here is the brief history of 3D Printing. 

What a marvelous invention!!

1860 - The photosculpture method of François Willème captures an object in 3 dimensions using cameras surrounding the subject.

1892 - Blanther proposes a layering method of producing topographical maps.

1972 - Mastubara of Mitsbushi motors proposes that photo-hardened materials (photopolymers) are used to produce layered parts.

1982 - The first published account of a printed solid model was made by Hideo Kodama of Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute.

                    Charles.W. Hull

The first working 3D printer was created in 1984 by Chuck Hull of 3D Systems Corp. Hull published a number of patents on the concept of 3D printing, many of which are used in today’s additive manufacturing processes. Of course, 3D printing in the early days was very expensive and not feasible for the general market. 



As we moved into the 21st century, however, costs drastically dropped, allowing 3D printers to find their way to a more affordable market.

The cost of 3D printers has even decreased in the years from 2010 to 2014, with machines generally ranging in price from £20,000 just three years ago, to less than £1,000 in the current market. Some printers are even being developed for under £500, making the technology increasingly available to the average consumer.

Since becoming mainstream, 3D printing has worked its way into a number of markets. The technology is now used in prototyping and distributed manufacturing with applications in architecture, construction, industrial design, automotive design, aerospace, military, engineering, etc. It has also become popular in areas such as dental and medical technology, fashion, footwear, jewelry, eyewear, and more.



Food may one day be printed, which may help feed the ballooning population. 
The big question being would you eat printed food? Make your self a menu!

Amazing 3D Printer